I bring you my latest updated rankings of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft’s top prospects under different circumstances than I had previously envisioned. We were supposed to have the Under-20 World Junior Hockey Championships to draw from (and this was a particularly strong year for draft eligibles in the WJC) but, alas, it was not to be. The tournament was cancelled after just three days, giving us a maximum of 2 games in which to view these players in a best-on-best international event. This is obviously a much smaller sample size than I would have liked, and a massive letdown for all the kids who were staking their careers on the exposure they would receive. The big-name players remain the big-name players, though there has been a few adjustments to the order. Some WJC performances, though brief, stood out and earned higher favour at The Draft Report. A player’s mediocre or average showing at the WJC was not held against them to a large degree, as they barely had time to settle in and get comfortable before it was all over. This list is worth publishing, however, as further restructuring was needed. So, without further ado, here are my Part 3 Rankings:
1. Shane Wright ,C, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL)
Part 1 Rank: 1
Part 2 Rank: 1
Born: January 5, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 185 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U20-WJC: 2gp-0g1a-1pt) (OHL: 22gp-11g19a-30pts)
It has been one hell of a rollercoaster campaign for the Kingston captain, from having his first (and maybe only) shot at wining gold with Team Canada at the World Juniors snatched out from under him to receiving unfair criticism of his slow start to the OHL season (Wright had played a total of 5 competitive hockey games in over a year). There’s nothing to worry about here, as Wright was beginning to round into form prior to the WJC tryouts with 11 points (4g7a) in his last 5 games. He is that game changing center of the future, but he needs to be given the proper time to develop that he has been unfortunately lacking. Don’t overthink it.
2. Matthew Savoie ,C, Winnipeg ICE (WHL)
Part 1 Rank: 5
Part 2 Rank: 2
Born: January 1, 2004
Size: 5’9”, 178 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (WHL: 34gp-18g34a-52pts)
Matt Savoie holds down his number two spot as he continues to lead the WHL in both assists (34) and points (52) after 34 games played. He’s an electrifying goal scorer too, currently sitting in a tie for eleventh in the league with 18. There are players who just have that special ability with the puck that others don’t, or gifts beyond even those of the top young talents in the world. Savoie has that rare ability with the puck, and when a player is that talented then you don’t worry about their size. He might project better as an NHL winger, but either way he should become a dynamic offensive catalyst for whatever club selects him.
3. Simon Nemec ,D, HK Nitra (Tipos Extraliga)
Part 1 Rank: 2
Part 2 Rank: 3
Born: February 15, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 192 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-1g5a-6pts) (U20-WJC: 2gp-0g1a-1pt) (Tipos: 24gp-0g14a-14pts)
There has never been a doubt in my mind that Simon Nemec is the best defense prospect in the class of 2022. The Slovakian stud has been outstanding at every single tournament and every level of hockey he has played in, and he does it at both ends of the ice. Nemec is the definition of a two-way defenseman, a player capable of putting up points and quarterbacking a powerplay yet also able to shut down the opposition’s best players and kill penalties at critical moments of the game.
4. Logan Cooley ,C, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: 10
Part 2 Rank: 8
Born: May 4, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 174 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U20-WJC: 1gp-0g1a-1pt) (U18-NTDP: 24gp-14g19a-33pts)
Logan Cooley makes a big leap up the list to land inside the top five after placing eighth in my Part 2 Rankings. So what’s the reason for the new, much higher rank? Honestly, it is the result of Cooley’s entire body of work so far this season. He has been the NTDP’s best all-around player since practically the drop of the first puck in 2021-22, centering the U18s’ top line and playing big minutes in both man advantage and shorthanded situations. Then, of course, there is Cooley’s inclusion on Team USA’s U20 WJC roster. As the only draft eligible prospect to even get an invite to tryout camp, the 5’11” speedster was mightily impressive in his team’s only contest of the tournament with a gorgeous assist on the opening goal and plenty of high quality scoring chances generated throughout.
5. Brad Lambert ,C/RW, JYP Jyvaskyla (SM-Liiga)
Part 1 Rank: 8
Part 2 Rank: 10
Born: December 19, 2003
Size: 6’0”, 179 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U20-WJC: 2gp-1g4a-5pts) (U20 SM-Sarja: 1gp-0g1a-1pt) (SM-Liiga: 24gp-2g4a-6pts)
Though he played just 2 games at this year’s World Juniors tournament, Lambert did enough in those 2 games to put scouts (armchair and otherwise) at ease about his much-heralded potential. He was arguably Team Finland’s best and most impactful player in both matches, contributing 5 points (1g4a) and demonstrating a mature and well-refined 200-ft. game that many didn’t quite see coming. While his 6 points (2g4a) in 24 SM-Liiga games as a sophomore are far below initial expectations, Lambert clearly hasn’t lost any of his world class skating ability or playmaking talents.
6. Joakim Kemell ,RW, JYP Jyvaskyla (SM-Liiga)
Part 1 Rank: 3
Part 2 Rank: 4
Born: April 27, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 176 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-5g1a-6pts) (U20-WJC: 2gp-0g0a-0pts) (SM-Liiga: 21gp-12g6a-18pts)
No, Joakim Kemell’s fairly invisible 2-game showing at the U20 World Juniors was not the sole reason he fell two spots from the Part 2 list until now, but rather a tempering of expectations that may have been a bit overblown after his red-hot start in the SM-Liiga. At the time of his minor injury, Kemell was the league-leader in both goals (12) and points (18) after 16 games and on pace for a historic 17-year old season. Upon his return, he failed to record a point in 5 straight Liiga contests, then had no points in his first go-round at the WJC. The upside is still tremendously high, but the players listed above him have proven more over a longer period of time.
7. Danila Yurov ,RW, Metallurg Magnitogorsk (KHL)
Part 1 Rank: 4
Part 2 Rank: 5
Born: December 22, 2003
Size: 6’1”, 179 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U20-WJC: 2gp-1g0a-1pt) (MHL: 6gp-3g9a-12pts) (KHL: 21gp-0g0a-0pts)
Despite a lack of playing time in the KHL this season, Danila Yurov looked no worse for wear once he reached the U20 WJC with Team Russia. His smart, well-rounded two-way game was evident from the opener versus Team Sweden, and he looked even better in their 4-2 follow-up victory over Team Switzerland with the opening goal (though admittedly a bit flukey) and some solid offensive zone possession time. The tools are all there, as is Yurov’s sharp mind for the game. He can process plays at an accelerated rate and understands where to go on the ice to be successful. He even showed some leadership qualities by standing up for a teammate after a heavy hit by a Swedish defender.
8. David Jiricek ,D, HC Plzen (Tipsport Extraliga)
Part 1 Rank: 6
Part 2 Rank: 6
Born: November 28, 2003
Size: 6’3”, 190 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U20-WJC: 1gp-0g1a-1pt) (Tipsport: 29gp-5g6a-11pts)
Unfortunately, David Jiricek’s second chance at the World Juniors did not go according to plan, with the 6’3” blueliner suffering an injury in the opening matchup with Team Canada that may have prematurely ended his season. The Czech-born star was off to a fantastic campaign for HC Plzen in the Tipsport Extraliga too, recording 11 points (5g6a) in 29 games in a typically low-scoring league. Jiricek provides all the elements of an impact NHL defenseman: skating, passing, a hard shot, physicality, hockey IQ, etc. Hopefully scouts have seen enough of him the last couple of seasons to get an accurate read on his potential, because it could be enormous.
9. Juraj Slafkovsky ,LW, TPS Turku (SM-Liiga)
Part 1 Rank: 7
Part 2 Rank: 7
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 6’4”, 224 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-3g6a-9pts) (U20-WJC: 2gp-0g0a-0pts) (U20 SM-Sarja: 11gp-6g12a-18pts) (SM-Liiga: 20gp-1g3a-4pts)
Like Lambert, 6’4” Slovakian-born left wing Juraj Slafkovsky hasn’t had the most stellar campaign in the SM-Liiga so far. In 20 games with TPS, he has just 1 goal and 4 points compared to the 18 points (6g12a) he has posted in 11 games at the U20 level. He looked okay at the U20 WJC, but his lack of production extended his pointless streak at the tournament to 7 games spread out between the 2021 and 2022 events. The way he is able to skate and handle the puck at his size is guaranteed to attract early attention on draft day, but how high he goes will depend on how much NHL GMs believe in him.
10. Tristan Luneau ,D, Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL)
Part 1 Rank: 9
Part 2 Rank: 9
Born: January 12, 2004
Size: 6’2”, 174 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (QMJHL: 26gp-5g10a-15pts)
I am well aware that my placement of Gatineau Olympiques defenseman Tristan Luneau inside the top ten 2022-eligible prospects is not an opinion shared by many. His numbers offensively aren’t dominant by any stretch (5 goals and 15 points in 26 games) and one could argue the Olympiques have underachieved this season. In terms of pure shutdown ability and one-on-one defensive play, however, I would put Luneau up against any other blueline prospect in this draft. His hockey sense is absolutely off-the-charts, he is an excellent skater, and his puckmoving/transitional game is at a higher level than his statistics currently reflect (in my opinion). Don’t sleep on Tristan Luneau.
11. Rutger McGroarty ,C, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: 15
Part 2 Rank: 11
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 204 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 26gp-15g17a-32pts)
Though there was more hype around a couple of other NTDP prospects entering the 2021-22 U18 season, Rutger McGroarty has found a way to recapture much of the acclaim he had received prior to his U17 debut in 2020-21 and has been one of the team’s best forwards all year long. His 32 points (15g17a) in 26 games gives him the second-highest points-per-game average (1.23) among U18s, and he was the leading scorer of the Four Nations Cup with 8 points (4g4a) in 4 games as Team USA captured gold. There are concerns about his skating, but he has worked on and improved it during the course of the season to the point that I don’t see it being a hindrance in the future.
12. Conor Geekie ,C, Winnipeg ICE (WHL)
Part 1 Rank: 12
Part 2 Rank: 13
Born: May 5, 2004
Size: 6’4”, 205 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (WHL: 34gp-11g27a-38pts)
Conor Geekie continues to hover around the twelfth/thirteenth position in my rankings, but lately I have seen signs that indicate he may be close to taking a step forward in his development as a prospect. Over the course of his 34 WHL games in 2021-22 he has shown noticeable improvement in the way he uses his size and strength advantage and is starting to win puck battles and physical confrontations that he would not have won previously. Not to mention he is tied for fourth in the league in assists (27) and tied for eleventh in total points (38). If he keeps building confidence and adding to his repertoire the way he has thus far, you might see him a little higher up on the next list.
13. Ivan MIroshnichenko ,LW, Omskie Krylia (VHL)
Part 1 Rank: 11
Part 2 Rank: 12
Born: February 4, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 185 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-4g5a-9pts) (MHL: 1gp-0g0a-0pts) (VHL: 28gp-6g6a-12pts)
After Ivan Miroshnichenko captained Team Russia to gold at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and put up 9 points (4g5a) in 5 games along the way, there were some scouting sources that had him ranked as high as number two overall. His 2021-22 campaign hasn’t exactly lived up to that billing, however. Miroshnichenko’s offensive output for Omskie Krylia in the VHL (6 goals and 12 points in 28 games) isn’t terrible, but it isn’t amazing either. Then, when he was cut from Russia’s WJC roster and criticized somewhat for a lack of conditioning by head coach Sergei Zubov, the buzz around him slowly began to fade into the background. Will his downward trend continue?
14. Liam Ohgren ,LW, Djurgardens IF (SHL)
Part 1 Rank: 18
Part 2 Rank: 19
Born: January 28, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 187 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-4g3a-7pts) (J20 Nationell: 16gp-18g10a-28pts) (SHL: 21gp-1g1a-2pts)
Ohgren has been my highest-ranked Swedish prospect since the Part 1 Rankings, and he holds that position on my Part 3 list as well. In fact, his brilliant year for Djurgardens’ J20 club has earned him a significant bump up in the overall order as he has scored at over a goal-per-game rate (18 goals in 16 games) and been the best player on what is likely the J20 Nationell’s deepest and most talented team. Though he produced just 2 points (1g1a) in 21 SHL contests, his work ethic and relentless competitiveness ensured he didn’t look out of place.
15. Frank Nazar ,C/RW, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: 13
Part 2 Rank: 16
Born: January 14, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 175 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 32gp-15g21a-36pts)
Nazar is currently third on the U18 NTDP’s roster in scoring with 36 points (15g21a) in 32 games played this season, but one can’t help but think he should have an even higher point total based on the sublime skill he exhibits on a nightly basis. His shot, his playmaking ability, and his 200-ft. game are all among the very best the class of 2022 has to offer. He can beat defenders one-on-one with his phenomenal stickhandling, or he can power his way to the net through sheer determination and a fearless desire to be a difference maker for his team.
16. Ty Nelson ,D, North Bay Battalion (OHL)
Part 1 Rank: 16
Part 2 Rank: 14
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 197 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (OHL: 32gp-5g21a-26pts)
Among OHL rookies in 2021-22 (of which there are two classes thanks to the cancelled 2020-21 campaign) 5’10”, 197-lb. blueliner Ty Nelson, the first overall pick of the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, sits second in total points with 26 (5g21a) in just 32 games played. His fantastic major junior debut only inspires further questions though, such as “What if he had played in the OHL last season, how much better would he be at this stage?” There’s no real way to know the answer to that question, but it does suggest that we haven’t seen the ceiling with Nelson just yet.
17. Seamus Casey ,D, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: 17
Part 2 Rank: 15
Born: January 8, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 162 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 30gp-5g13a-18pts)
A dynamic skater and puckhandler who has been arguably the NTDP’s best all-around defenseman this season, Seamus Casey’s sparkling +22 rating is second among team blueliners and fourth-highest among all U18s. Plus, he has posted a respectable 18 points (5g13a) in 30 games and is no slouch when it comes to getting the puck quickly into the hands of his forwards. The way he thinks the game and reads the ice is advanced beyond the majority of his peers, and his unbelievable mobility fuels a nearly mistake-free transition game that Casey doesn’t get nearly enough credit for.
18. Isaac Howard ,LW, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: 14
Part 2 Rank: 17
Born: March 30, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 183 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 32gp-14g23a-37pts)
Isaac Howard belongs in this draft class’ highest tier when it comes to pure offensive ability. The undersized left winger can weave his way through the opposition using his lightning-fast stickhandling and quick feet, then beat a goaltender clean with a laser-beam wristshot or set up a teammate in scoring position by threading him a picture-perfect pass. The single most dominant point producer as a U17 last year, Howard is once again at the front of the pack as he sits tied for first in U18 scoring with 37 points (14g23a) in 32 games. His only downside is a “top-six or bust” playing style that may only allow him to make the NHL if he’s a star player, and nothing else.
19. Jonathan Lekkerimaki ,C, Djurgardens IF (J20 Nationell)
Part 1 Rank: 22
Part 2 Rank: 21
Born: July 24, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 172 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-5g0a-5pts) (J20 Nationell: 24gp-18g15a-33pts) (SHL: 10gp-2g1a-3pts)
A cold-blooded sniper who packs an NHL-ready release, outstanding speed, and a wide array of slick moves and dekes, Lekkerimaki has cooled off somewhat after a blazing start to 2021-22 that saw him battling for the J20 Nationell’s scoring lead. Still, on a loaded Djurgardens team he is the leader in goals (18, tied) and points (33) and second in points-per-game average (1.38) after 24 total contests. Even more impressive was his 10-game call-up to Djurgardens’ SHL club, where he notched 2 goals and 3 points against older and more experienced competition. Lekkerimaki has all the raw tools to be a sniper at the next level.
20. Denton Mateychuk ,D, Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Part 1 Rank: 20
Part 2 Rank: 18
Born: July 12, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 186 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (WHL: 34gp-7g23a-30pts)
The Moose Jaw Warriors standout is currently tied for second in scoring among all WHL defensemen with 30 points (7g23a) in 34 games, yet he drops a couple of spots in my rankings due to a less-than-stellar defensive game. The thing is, sometimes he makes really strong plays in his own end and shows flashes of a steady two-way defense prospect. Other times, though, he makes awful reads or pinches too aggressively and ends up costing his team chances (or goals) against. I understand that developing a structured shutdown game takes time, but I was hoping to see more growth in that aspect up to this point in the year.
21. Nathan Gaucher ,C, Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Part 1 Rank: 29
Part 2 Rank: 22
Born: November 6, 2003
Size: 6’3”, 207 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (QMJHL: 30gp-15g11a-26pts)
Oddly enough, Gaucher had more points through his first 30 games of the 2020-21 season (14g17a-31pts) than he does through the first 30 games of the 2021-22 campaign (15g11a-26pts). There’s no real cause for concern, however, as the 6’3” center has greatly improved some of the weaknesses that previously held him back as a potential NHL prospect (skating, discipline) and emerged as a steady and reliable leader with the Quebec Remparts. Gaucher was a finalist for the QMJHL’s Defensive Forward of the Year honours last season and could very well take home this year’s trophy based on his intimidating shutdown abilities and attention to detail.
22. Cutter Gauthier ,LW, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: Not Ranked
Part 2 Rank: Not Ranked
Born: January 19, 2004
Size: 6’3”, 189 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 32gp-20g12a-32pts)
A brand new U18 NTDP prospect cracks the top thirty-two overall, with his newfound rank ultimately the result of an excellent 2021-22 campaign to date. 6’3” left winger Cutter Gauthier is the first member of his team to reach the 20-goal mark, accomplishing the feat in just 32 games played. It is more than just his goal scoring acumen that earns him a spot in the Part 3 Rankings though, as Gauthier is incredibly effective in all types of in-game scenarios that may arise thanks to an underrated (but no less brilliant) hockey IQ and plenty of natural gifts. As far as players his size go, Gauthier is one of the fastest on his feet and possesses one of the deadliest shooting arsenals in this draft class. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time, and that is a skill that translates very easily to the NHL.
23. Filip Mesar ,RW, HK Poprad (Tipos Extraliga)
Part 1 Rank: 25
Part 2 Rank: 27
Born: January 3, 2004
Size: 5’10”, 172 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-2g6a-8pts) (U20-WJC: 2gp-0g0a-0pts) (Tipos: 20gp-5g4a-9pts)
Filip Mesar was a big part of Slovakia’s silver medal finish at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and he would have been a big part of any potential run the Slovaks went on at the U20 World Juniors as well. Though his team lost both of their first 2 matches, Mesar was arguably their best forward as he created constant scoring opportunities and showed off his top-notch offensive skills. The 5’10” right winger has also had a solid sophomore campaign in the Tipos Extraliga with HK Poprad, notching 5 goals and 9 points in 20 games.
24. Jordan Gustafson ,C, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Part 1 Rank: Not Ranked
Part 2 Rank: 20
Born: January 20, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 177 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (WHL: 28gp-13g18a-31pts)
The Seattle Thunderbirds spark-plug entered the top thirty-two for the first time in the Part 2 Rankings, and he holds onto his spot this time around too (though he did fall four spots). Gustafson has had a terrific follow-up to his shortnened 2020-21 WHL rookie season, posting 31 points (13g18a) in 28 games as one of his team’s top scorers. When you add in his insane work ethic and undying compete level at both ends of the ice (and whether his team is shorthanded or on the man-advantage) with an underrated skillset that is just starting to take shape, you get a prospect deserving of a place on this list.
25. David Goyette ,C, Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
Part 1 Rank: 21
Part 2 Rank: 24
Born: March 27, 2004
Size: 5’11”, 174 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (OHL: 28gp-7g15a-22pts)
In an OHL rookie season where he is coming off of a full-year layoff, it’s pretty impressive to see Sudbury Wolves center David Goyette trailing the team’s scoring leader by just a single point with 22 (7g15a) in 28 total games. Given an extra year of development that he missed in 2020-21, it’s easy to see Goyette as a two-way force who can make plays, score goals, and be trusted to take care of his roles and responsibilities on the defensive side of the puck. Goyette has been a big-time point producer at every level he’s played so far, but his well-rounded 200-ft. approach to the center position speaks highly of his promise.
26. Jimmy Snuggerud ,RW, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Part 1 Rank: Not Ranked
Part 2 Rank: 25
Born: June 1, 2004
Size: 6’2”, 186 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (U18-NTDP: 32gp-15g22a-37pts)
Of all the highly touted NTDP prospects eligible for the 2022 draft, Jimmy Snuggerud probably wouldn’t have been your first guess if asked who the team’s leading scorer would be at this point of the season. Snuggerud caught fire at the start of the season, then again at the Four Nations Cup when he scored two hat tricks in four games. The 6’2” right winger has spent most of his time as a U18 on the top line with Logan Cooley and Rutger McGroarty, but he hasn’t simply benefitted from playing with those two. He has been a big contributor to that line at both ends of the ice and has 37 points (15g22a) in his 32 games.
27. Kevin Korchinski ,D, Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
Part 1 Rank: 23
Part 2 Rank: 26
Born: June 21, 2004
Size: 6’2”, 175 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (WHL: 30gp-4g21a-25pts)
It took 44 games for Seattle Thunderbirds defenseman Kevin Korchinski to score his first career WHL goal, but after finally breaking the goose egg in his goals column he ended up scoring 4 in a 5-game span. It has been an excellent sophomore season for the 6’2” blueliner offensively, putting up 25 points (4g21a) in 30 games for a 0.83 points-per-game average to help his team to a 19-9-3 record that has them third in the U.S. Division. His defensive game needs a lot of work, but defense can be taught a hell of a lot easier than offense can.
28. Simon Forsmark ,D, Orebro HK (SHL)
Part 1 Rank: 31
Part 2 Rank: 29
Born: October 17, 2003
Size: 6’2”, 194 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (J20 Nationell: 22gp-4g21a-25pts) (SHL: 22gp-0g1a-1pt)
A late-2003 birthday, Forsmark is a mobile, highly skilled 6’2” defenseman who has earned himself a regular spot on Orebro’s SHL club after posting 25 points (4g21a) in just 22 games at the J20 level. I expected Team Sweden would’ve given him a chance to make the U20 WJC roster this year, but it appears he will have to wait until next year’s event to show what he can do on the international stage. Since Forsmark is an older prospect in this draft class, he is likely a little bit closer to reaching his ceiling than some of the other blueliners available but with his size, skating, and skillset he projects as a future NHLer in some capacity.
29. Jack Hughes ,C, Northeastern University (NCAA)
Part 1 Rank: 19
Part 2 Rank: 23
Born: November 2, 2003
Size: 6’0”, 165 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (NCAA: 20gp-5g4a-9pts)
Jack Hughes is the type of player who strikes me as a possible long-term project for an NHL franchise, but one who could end up seriously paying off for whoever takes the time to develop his game and fine-tune his skills. With 9 points (5g4a) in the first 20 games of his freshman year with Northeastern University, Hughes is still finding his way in the NCAA. He has the dynamic skating and stickhandling to beat opponents one-on-one if he so chooses, but he typically plays a low-risk, responsible brand of hockey that should appeal to plenty of NHL GMs looking for a steady two-way depth center to add to their ranks.
30. Danny Zhilkin ,C, Guelph Storm (OHL)
Part 1 Rank: Not Ranked
Part 2 Rank: 31
Born: December 19, 2003
Size: 6’2”, 185 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (OHL: 27gp-10g14a-24pts)
This 6’2” pivot was a member of the Canadian U18 team that won gold at last year’s World Championships, where he showed he could slide into different roles within a team structure and still find ways to be effective. Zhilkin produced just 15 points (7g8a) in 60 OHL games as a rookie in 2019-20, and after missing an entire year he has elevated his numbers to a solid 24 points (10g14a) in 27 games as Guelph’s number one center this season. Based on his strong all-around ability, good size, and excellent skating he is a good bet to crack an NHL roster in the relatively near future.
31. Elias Salomonsson ,D, Skelleftea AIK (J20 Nationell)
Part 1 Rank: 26
Part 2 Rank: 28
Born: August 31, 2004
Size: 6’1”, 172 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (HGretzkyCup: 5gp-0g1a-1pt) (J20 Nationell: 23gp-8g9a-17pts) (SHL: 1gp-0g0a-0pts)
Elias Salomonsson started the 2021-22 season as one of the most talked-about Swedish prospects in the class of 2022, but a series of underwhelming international performances saw his standing suffer some in the eyes of scouts. Though the Swedes won the bronze medal at the recent Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Salomonsson was average at best and contributed just 1 assist in 5 games played. He has had a great year in the J20 Nationell so far though, collecting 8 goals and 17 points in 23 games for Skelleftea. You won’t find him on many top thirty-two lists at the current moment, but as one of the youngest prospects eligible for selection in 2022 he has a longer time frame to grow his game and maximize his potential.
32. Maveric Lamoureux ,D, Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL)
Part 1 Rank: 30
Part 2 Rank: 32
Born: January 13, 2004
Size: 6’7”, 196 lbs.
2021-22 Statistics: (QMJHL: 30gp-3g8a-11pts)
Numerous players have come and gone from the top thirty-two of my 2022 draft rankings since Part 1 until now, yet 6’7” Drummondville Voltigeurs defenseman Maveric Lamoureux keeps a firm grasp on his spot as his game continues to show growth and improvement. He even has a respectable 11 points (3g8a) in 30 games, though providing offense is never going to be his moderus operandi at the NHL level. Instead, GMs will want him to use his enormous frame and surprisingly good skating stride to shutdown opposing top lines and act as a physical deterrent in his own end of the ice, and he has shown some promise in that regard too.
The Draft Report 